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Publish the Book Guild way
From initial submission through to post-publication support, authors and their books are our priority. Here is how we work with them throughout their publishing journey.
How we work with authors
Project management
From your initial submission to the publication of your book, our team works closely with you to ensure your publishing experience is the best it can be.
Collaborative expertise
We work with authors directly to collaborate on important decisions like text and cover design, editorial decisions and marketing channels to prioritise.
Clear communication
No matter what stage of the publishing process you are at, our team remains in contact with you over the phone, by email or in person to ensure you're always kept up to date.
Our publishing process
1.
Manuscript submission
Whether you've been published before or are exploring the process for the first time, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Our team has the expertise to help you find the right path.
2.
Initial review
Within a week of receiving your manuscript, our submissions team will let you know whether we would like to consider your book for traditional or partnership publishing.
3.
Reader's report & proposal
For books that we would like to progress with, we’ll review the manuscript, provide a detailed reader’s report and offer a personalised proposal with our suggested services and a transparent cost breakdown.
4.
Contract
If you decide to proceed with publishing through The Book Guild, we will prepare a comprehensive publishing contract and share with you for review and signature.
5.
Payment options
If we offer a partnership contract and you accept it, authors can pay any associated fees in either three instalments across the project or a one-time payment with a 5% discount.
6.
Set-up and production
Our team will manage each step of the title’s setup and production, from assigning an ISBN and setting up the metadata, to editing and design, to preparing your book for publication, ensuring quality at every stage.
7.
Publication
When your book is ready for publication, we’ll ensure books are printed to the highest possible quality in the UK. If your book is suitable for an ebook, we will also make this available for readers to purchase.
8.
Sales, marketing and distribution
We will actively market and sell your book to the book trade and directly to readers, fulfilling all orders from our dedicated UK-based distribution facility.
9.
Contract renewal or conclusion
Following the duration of an author's initial contract with us (typically one year), an author can choose to renew their title distribution with us or part company with us, taking the rights to their book and any remaining copies with them.
Prioritising author experience
While we publish hundreds of quality titles every year, we prioritise the author experience above all else. Each member of the team wants our authors to leave the publishing process having enjoyed it and achieved their publishing goals.
We love working with authors
Our team loves connecting with and talking directly to our authors, ensuring they feel listened to and heavily involved in their projects.
Transparent royalty process
Our biannual royalty process is transparent and straightforward, with authors being paid royalties proactively for sales they have made throughout the year.
Quality book production
Our in-house expert team produces our books to the highest possible standard across all disciplines.
Comprehensive marketing campaign
We run bespoke marketing campaigns for each book we publish, aiming to increase the visibilty of the book to the trade, media and online.
We love working with authors
Our team loves connecting with and talking directly to our authors, ensuring they feel listened to and heavily involved in their projects.
Transparent royalty process
Our biannual royalty process is transparent and straightforward, with authors being paid royalties proactively for sales they have made throughout the year.
Quality book production
Our in-house expert team produces our books to the highest possible standard across all disciplines.
Comprehensive marketing campaign
We run bespoke marketing campaigns for each book we publish, aiming to increase the visibilty of the book to the trade, media and online.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many books does The Book Guild publish each year?
The Book Guild publishes up to 120 titles per year. We limit the number of titles released each month to ensure we dedicate our full attention to every project. We publish approximately 15% of the submissions we receive. As with any commercial publisher, we are selective about what we take on and will only offer a contract if we believe we can significantly enhance your book’s chances of success.
Do you accept submissions directly from authors, or must they come through an agent?
Yes, we accept submissions directly from authors. While we also welcome submissions from literary agents, authors without representation are welcome to submit their manuscripts to us.
Can I submit a book that has been published previously?
Yes. Although marketing previously published titles can be more challenging, we are happy to consider them for republication. All rights must have reverted to the author and/or the book should be removed from any self-publishing platforms ahead of republishing.
What is the difference between partnership publishing and mainstream publishing?
At The Book Guild, we offer two publishing routes: Partnership and Mainstream. Under our partnership arrangement, both The Book Guild and the author contribute financially towards the cost of publishing and marketing. Depending on the level of risk we are prepared to take on a new manuscript, The Book Guild will fund anywhere between 25% and 75% of the costs. Whereas our mainstream agreement is fully funded by The Book Guild.
Do you publish specific genres?
We welcome submissions across all genres, from non-fiction to children's picture books. However, we have a preference for commercial non-fiction and genre fiction, including crime and thrillers, romance and middle grade.
What should I include in my submission?
Your submission should include a copy of the full, final manuscript, a synopsis and an author biography. Visit our ‘Publish with us’ page to get started.
Do you work with Waterstones?
Yes, we supply the Waterstones group directly from our distribution hub as well as through Gardners, the main UK book wholesaler. This direct relationship is valuable for our authors, providing greater opportunities for visibility, accessibility and availability at one of the UK’s largest bookshop chains.
Do I need to sell a certain number of copies before earning royalties?
No, royalties are earned from the very first sale. We pay royalties bianually for authors that are owed over a certain threshold, with any sales not paid out in that period being carried over into the next one.
What factors do you consider when offering a mainstream contract?
Several factors influence our decision when offering a contract, whether it is for partnership or mainstream publishing. Most of our mainstream titles are non-fiction works that we believe have strong mass-market appeal. The fiction market is highly competitive, whereas specialised non-fiction reaches specific audiences that our team can effectively target. However, we do publish standout fiction under a mainstream agreement — typically from established authors with a proven readership or fan base.
Where will my book be sold? Can you share how major bookshops are currently responding to new titles?
All of our titles are available through all major online retailers, including Amazon and Waterstones. We also supply Gardners, the UK’s largest book wholesaler, which distributes to bookshops nationwide. It is difficult to predict bookshop uptake, as it can vary significantly from title to title, and we can never guarantee that a particular retailer will stock a book. The publishing market is highly competitive and retailers usually err on the side of caution when initially ordering stock. However, many of our titles do secure stock placement in bookshops across the UK.